Ariane 6#Description
{{Short description|European space launch vehicle}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox rocket
| name = Ariane 6
| logo = Ariane6 logo.svg
| logo_upright = 0.45
| image = Ariane 6 on pad.jpg
| caption = Mockup of Ariane 6 in the 64 configuration during testing at the Guiana Space Centre
| function = {{Unbulleted list
| A62: Medium-lift launch vehicle
| A64: Heavy-lift launch vehicle
}}
| manufacturer = ArianeGroup
| country-origin = European multi-national{{Efn|The lead manufacturer is from France, but the rocket has significant contributions from companies based in Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Sweden.}}
| pcost = {{€|{{To EUR|4|USA|year=2023}} billion|link=yes}}{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2025-03-06 |title=When Europe needed it most, the Ariane 6 rocket finally delivered |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/03/when-europe-needed-it-most-the-ariane-6-rocket-finally-delivered/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |work=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}
| cpl = {{Unbulleted list
| A62: €100 million (2024 {{Abbr|est.|estimated}}){{Cite news |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |date=2024-03-29 |title=CNES Boss Blames Contractors for Ariane 6 Being Too Expensive |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/cnes-boss-blames-contractors-for-ariane-6-being-too-expensive/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |work=European Spaceflight |language=en-UK}}
}}
| height = {{cvt|63|m}}
| diameter = {{cvt|5.4|m}}
| mass = {{Unbulleted list
| A62: {{cvt|530000|kg}}
| A64: {{cvt|860000|kg}}
}}
| stages = 2
|capacities=
{{Infobox rocket/payload
| location = LEO
| mass = {{Unbulleted list
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
| location = GTO
| inclination = 6°
| mass = {{Unbulleted list
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
| location = GEO
| inclination = 0°
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
| location = SSO
| inclination = 97.4°
| mass = {{Unbulleted list
}}
}}
{{Infobox rocket/payload
| location = LTO
| inclination = 97.4°
| mass = {{Unbulleted list
}}
}}
| family = Ariane
| comparable = Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Terran R, H3, Vulcan Centaur
| status = Active
| launches = 2
| success = 1
| fail =
| partial = 1 (VA262)
| other_outcome =
| last = {{Start date|2025|3|6|df=y}}
| payloads =
| stagedata =
{{Infobox rocket/stage
| type = booster
| name = P120C
| number = 2 or 4
| length =
| diameter = {{cvt|3|m}}
| empty =
| gross =
| propmass = {{cvt|142000|kg}}
| solid = yes
| thrust = {{cvt|3500|kN}} each
| total = {{Unbulleted list
| A62: {{cvt|7000|kN}}
| A64: {{cvt|14000|kN}}
}}
| SI =
| burntime = 130 seconds
}}
{{Infobox rocket/stage
| stageno = First
| type = stage
| name = {{Abbr|LLPM|Lower Liquid Propulsion Module}}
| length =
| diameter = {{cvt|5.4|m}}
| empty =
| gross =
| propmass = {{cvt|140000|kg}}
| engines = 1 × Vulcain 2.1
| thrust = {{cvt|1370|kN}}
| SI =
| burntime = 468 seconds
}}
{{Infobox rocket/stage
| stageno = Second
| type = stage
| name = {{Abbr|ULPM|Upper Liquid Propulsion Module}}
| length =
| diameter = {{cvt|5.4|m}}
| empty =
| gross =
| propmass = {{cvt|31000|kg}}
| engines = 1 × Vinci
| thrust = {{cvt|180|kN}}
| SI =
}}
}}
Ariane 6 is a European expendable launch system developed for the European Space Agency (ESA) and manufactured by a consortium of European companies, led by the prime contractor ArianeGroup. As part of the Ariane rocket family, it is operated by Arianespace, replacing the Ariane 5. The project's primary contributors were France (55.3%), Germany (21%) and Italy (7.6%), with the remaining work distributed among ten other participating countries.{{Cite web |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2023/11/07/sortie-de-crise-pour-la-fusee-europeenne-ariane-6_6198690_3234.html |title=Sortie de crise pour la fusée européenne Ariane-6 |website=Le Monde |date=7 November 2023}}
This two-stage rocket utilizes liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (hydrolox) engines. The first stage features an upgraded Vulcain engine from Ariane 5, while the second uses the Vinci engine, designed specifically for this rocket. The Ariane 62 variant uses two P120C solid rocket boosters, while Ariane 64 uses four. The P120C booster is shared with Europe's other launch vehicle, and is an improved version of the P80 used on the original Vega.
Selected in December 2014 over an all-solid-fuel alternative, Ariane 6 was initially planned for a 2020 debut. However, the program faced delays, with the first launch eventually taking place on 9 July 2024. While the rocket successfully launched, the mission experienced a partial failure when the upper stage malfunctioned and was not able to complete its final deorbit burn. The second launch was therefore postponed to 6 March 2025, successfully delivering its first commercial payload to orbit, the CSO-3 reconnaissance satellite.[https://spacenews.com/next-ariane-6-launch-slips-to-early-2025/ Next Ariane 6 launch slips to early 2025], Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, 8 November 2024.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2025-03-06 |title=When Europe needed it most, the Ariane 6 rocket finally delivered |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/03/when-europe-needed-it-most-the-ariane-6-rocket-finally-delivered/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}
Ariane 6 was designed to halve launch costs, a target it failed to meet, and increase annual capacity from seven to eleven missions compared to its predecessor. The program has been subject to criticism over high costs and lack of reusability versus competitors' rockets, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9. European officials defend the program, saying it provides crucial independent space access for its member states.
Description
Two variants of Ariane 6 are offered:
- Ariane 62 (A62), with two P120C solid boosters, weighs around {{cvt|530000|kg}} at liftoff and is mainly for government and scientific missions.{{Cite news |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |title=Europe to press ahead with Ariane 6 rocket |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30251863 |publisher=BBC |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=25 June 2015 |archive-date=15 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715063455/http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30251863 |url-status=live}} It can launch up to {{cvt|4500|kg}} into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and {{cvt|10350|kg}} into low Earth orbit (LEO). The first launch in 2024 used this variant;
- Ariane 64 (A64), with four P120C boosters, has a liftoff weight of around {{cvt|860000|kg}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/ |title=Ariane 6 - Ariane Group |publisher=ArianeGroup |access-date=1 July 2017 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213124202/https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/ |url-status=live}} and is intended for commercial dual-satellite launches of up to {{cvt|11500|kg}} into GTO and {{cvt|21500|kg}} into LEO. Like Ariane 5, it will be able to launch two geosynchronous satellites together.
= First stage =
The first (lower) stage of Ariane 6 is called the Lower Liquid Propulsion Module (LLPM). It is powered by a single Vulcain 2.1 engine fueled by liquid hydrogen (LH2) with liquid oxygen (LOX). The LLPM is {{cvt|5.4|m}} in diameter and contains approximately {{convert|140|t|lb}} of propellant.
= Boosters =
Additional thrust for the first stage will be provided by either two or four P120C model solid rocket boosters, known within Ariane 6 nomenclature as Equipped Solid Rockets (ESR). Each booster contains approximately {{convert|142000|kg|lb}} of propellant and delivers up to {{cvt|4650|kN}} of thrust. The P120C engine is also used in the first stage of the upgraded Vega C launcher. By sharing motors, production volumes can be increased, lowering production costs. The first full-scale test of the ESR occurred at Kourou, French Guiana, on 16 July 2018, and the test completed successfully with thrust reaching {{cvt|4615|kN}} in vacuum.{{cite web |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Largest_ever_solid_rocket_motor_poised_for_first_hot_firing_999.html |title=Largest-ever solid rocket motor poised for first hot firing |publisher=SpaceDaily |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201112421/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Largest_ever_solid_rocket_motor_poised_for_first_hot_firing_999.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Successful first test firing for the P120C solid rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega C |url=https://www.ariane.group/en/news/successful-first-test-firing-for-the-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-for-ariane-6-and-vega-c/ |access-date=16 July 2018 |publisher=Ariane Group |date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726081351/https://www.ariane.group/en/news/successful-first-test-firing-for-the-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-for-ariane-6-and-vega-c/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=Static Fire test for Europe's P120C rocket motor |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/07/static-fire-test-europes-p120c-rocket-motor/ |publisher=NASASpaceflight |date=16 July 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128023918/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/07/static-fire-test-europes-p120c-rocket-motor/ |url-status=live}}
= Second stage =
The second (upper) stage of Ariane 6 is called the Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM). It shares the same {{cvt|5.4|m}} diameter as the LLPM and is also fueled by LH2 and LOX. It is powered by the Vinci engine, which delivers {{cvt|180|kN}} of thrust, burns for up to 900 seconds and is capable of up to five restarts.{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2024 |title=Ariane 6 |url=https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-6/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Arianespace}} The ULPM carries about {{convert|31|t|lb}} of propellant.
= Block 2 =
A more powerful "Block 2" version of Ariane 6 is slated to enter service in 2026, featuring enlarged P160C solid rocket boosters and an enhanced Vinci engine in the upper stage with increased thrust of {{cvt|200|kN}}. These improvements will expand the rocket’s flight envelope and significantly boost its payload capacity, with an expected gain of {{convert|2|t|lb}} to low Earth orbit on the Ariane 64.{{Cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/europe-aims-to-end-space-access-crisis-with-ariane-6s-inaugural-launch/ |title=Europe aims to end space access crisis with Ariane 6's inaugural launch |publisher=SpaceNews |date=24 June 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=5 April 2022 |title=Amazon launch contracts drive changes to launch vehicle production |url=https://spacenews.com/amazon-launch-contracts-drive-changes-to-launch-vehicle-production/ |access-date=8 July 2024 |work=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}
Development of the P160C boosters began in 2022. The upgraded boosters are extended by {{convert|1|m}} to carry an additional {{convert|14|t|lb}} of propellant.{{Cite news |title=ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production |url=https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/ESA_developed_P120C_solid_rocket_motor_enters_production_999.html |access-date=8 July 2024}} Notably, 16 of the 18 planned Kuiper launches on Ariane 6 will incorporate this upgraded booster. The first P160C booster casing was built in June 2024,{{cite web |date=19 June 2024 |title=Avio Ships First Upgraded Ariane 6 Booster |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/avio-ships-first-upgraded-ariane-6-booster/}} with fueling and static fire tests anticipated in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |date=2025-01-10 |title=Testing of Key Ariane 6 Upgrade to Begin in March |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/testing-of-key-ariane-6-upgrade-to-begin-in-march/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=European Spaceflight |language=en-US}}
To support these more powerful rockets, CNES is assisting in modifying the existing launch pad.{{Cite web |last=Guillermard |first=Véronique |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/comment-ariane-6-s-est-mise-en-ordre-pour-doubler-ses-cadences-de-vol-20240812 |title=Comment Ariane 6 s'est mise en ordre pour doubler la fréquence de ses vols |work=Le Figaro |date=13 August 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024}}
= Block 3 =
An additional Block 3 upgrade is being discussed by the European Space Agency, ArianeGroup and CNES. Increased performance will primarily be achieved via an upgraded upper stage.
The impetus for the upgrade is a number of upcoming lunar missions, including the European Argonaut logistics lunar lander project. A decision is expected during the November 2025 European ministerial meeting.
= Fairing =
The payload fairing, constructed by Beyond Gravity from a carbon fibre-polymer composite, is designed as a nose cone that splits vertically into two halves at the top of the Ariane 6 rocket.{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=Successful maiden flight of Ariane 6 - Beyond Gravity contributed several products |url=https://www.beyondgravity.com/en/news/successful-maiden-flight-ariane-6-beyond-gravity-contributed-several-products |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=Beyond Gravity |language=en}} It is available in two sizes: a long {{convert|20|m|adj=on}} version and a short {{convert|14|m|adj=on}} version, both with a diameter of {{convert|5.4|m}}.{{Cite web |title=Ariane 6 overview |url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6_overview |access-date=24 November 2024 |website=The European Space Agency (ESA)}} The interior of the cylindrical payload compartment is {{convert|4.6|m}} in diameter and the long variant measures {{convert|11|m}} in height, or {{convert|18|m}} when including the conical portion of the fairing.{{Cite web |title=Figure 5.3.1b C– Usable volume beneath payload fairing in single launch - Long fairing |url=https://ariane.group/app/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/Mua-6_Issue-2_Revision-0_March-2021.pdf |access-date=24 November 2024 |website=Ariane 6 User's Manual Issue 2 Revision 0 |publisher=Arianespace}}
History
Ariane 6 was conceived in the early 2010s to be a replacement launch vehicle for Ariane 5, and a number of concepts and high-level designs were suggested and proposed during 2012–2015. Development funding from several European governments was secured by early 2016, and contracts were signed to begin detailed design and the build of test articles. In 2019, the maiden orbital flight had been planned for 2020, however by May 2020, the planned initial launch date was delayed into 2021.{{Cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/ |title=Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021 |publisher=SpaceNews |date=20 May 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711072600/https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/ |url-status=live}} In October 2020, the European Space Agency (ESA) formally requested an additional {{Euro|230 million}} in funding from the countries sponsoring the project to complete development of the rocket and get the vehicle to its first test flight, which had slipped to the second quarter of 2022.{{Cite news |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |url=https://spacenews.com/esa-request-230-million-euros-more-for-ariane-6-as-maiden-flights-slips-to-2022/ |title=ESA request 230 million more for Ariane 6 as maiden flight slips to 2022 |work=SpaceNews |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711072600/https://spacenews.com/esa-request-230-million-euros-more-for-ariane-6-as-maiden-flights-slips-to-2022/ |url-status=live}} By June 2021, the date had delayed to late 2022.{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/06/europes-space-chief-appoints-task-force-to-assess-ariane-6-schedule-concerns/ |title=The Ariane 6 debut is slipping again as Europe hopes for a late 2022 launch |publisher=Ars Technica |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=9 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009005930/https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/06/europes-space-chief-appoints-task-force-to-assess-ariane-6-schedule-concerns/ |url-status=live }} In June 2022, a delay was announced to "some time in 2023"{{Cite news |last=Rainbow |first=Jason |url=https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-launch-debut-pushed-into-2023/ |title=Ariane 6 launch debut pushed into 2023 |publisher=SpaceNews |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=15 June 2022 |archive-date=16 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116232216/https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-launch-debut-pushed-into-2023/ |url-status=live}} and by October 2022, ESA clarified that the first launch would be no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2023, while providing no public reason for the delay.{{Cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-first-launch-slips-to-late-2023/ |title=Ariane 6 first launch slips to late 2023 |publisher=SpaceNews |date=19 October 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925205606/https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-first-launch-slips-to-late-2023/ |url-status=live}} In August 2023, ESA announced that the date for the first launch had slipped again to 2024.{{Cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=9 August 2023 |title=ESA confirms Ariane 6 debut to slip to 2024 |url=https://spacenews.com/esa-confirms-ariane-6-debut-to-slip-to-2024/ |access-date=14 August 2023 |publisher=SpaceNews |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117064555/https://spacenews.com/esa-confirms-ariane-6-debut-to-slip-to-2024/ |url-status=live}}
= Concept and early development: 2010–2015 =
Image:Ariane 6 PPH cutaway-en.svg
Following detailed definition studies in 2012,{{Cite news |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1211/21ariane/ |title=European ministers decide to stick with Ariane 5, for now |author=Stephen Clark |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=22 November 2012 |archive-date=27 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127202631/http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1211/21ariane/ |url-status=live}} ESA announced in July 2013 the selection of the "PPH" (first stage of three P145 rocket motors, second stage of one P145 rocket motor, and H32 cryogenic upper stage) configuration for Ariane 6.{{Cite web |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273068431 |last1=Dumont |first1=Etienne |last2=Božić |first2=Ognjan |last3=May |first3=Stefan |last4=Mierheim |first4=Olaf |last5=Chrupalla |first5=David |last6=Beyland |first6=Lutz |last7=Karl |first7=Sebastian |last8=Klevanski |first8=Josef |last9=Johannsson |first9=Magni |last10=Clark |first10=Vanessa |last11=Stief |first11=Malte |last12=Keiderling |first12=David |last13=Koch |first13=Patrick |last14=Acquatella |first14=B. Paul |last15=Saile |first15=Dominik |last16=Poppe |first16=Georg |last17=Traudt |first17=Tobias |last18=Manfletti |first18=Chiara |date=February 2015 |title=Ariane 6 PPH Architecture Critical Analysis - Second Iteration Loop |via=ResearchGate}} It would be capable of launching up to {{cvt|6500|kg}} to Geostationary transfer orbit (GTO),{{Cite news |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/european-space-agency-reveals-new-rocket-design |title=European Space Agency Reveals New Rocket Design|publisher=IEEE Spectrum|first1=Mia|last1=Feldman|date=11 July 2013|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128162450/https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/aerospace/satellites/european-space-agency-reveals-new-rocket-design |url-status=live}} with a first flight projected to be as early as 2021–2022.{{Cite news |last1=Amos |first1=Jonathan |date=22 June 2017 |title=Full thrust on Europe's new rocket |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40366736 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322110946/http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40366736 |archive-date=22 March 2018 |access-date=2022-01-25 |publisher=BBC News}} Development was projected to cost €4 billion {{asof|2013|05|lc=y}}.{{Cite news |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |title=With Ariane 6 Launch Site Selected, CNES Aims To Freeze Design of the New Rocket in July |url=http://www.spacenews.com/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new/ |access-date=25 May 2013 |publisher=SpaceNews |date=24 May 2013 |quote=Ariane 6 would fly in 2020 assuming a development go-ahead in 2014. CNES's Ariane 6 team is operating under the "triple-seven" mantra, meaning seven years' development, 7 metric tons of satellite payload to geostationary transfer orbit and 70 million euros in launch costs. CNES estimates that Ariane 6 would cost 4 billion euros to develop, including ESA's customary program management fees and a 20% margin that ESA embeds in most of its programs. |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045213/https://spacenews.com/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new/ |url-status=live}} A 2014 study concluded that development cost could be reduced to about €3 billion by limiting contractors to five countries.{{Cite news |url=http://www.spacenews.com/39905questions-swirl-around-future-of-europes-ariane-launcher-program/ |title=Questions Swirl around Future of Europe's Ariane Launcher Program |author=Peter B. De Selding |publisher=SpaceNews |date=18 March 2014 |access-date=23 March 2014 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045213/https://spacenews.com/39905questions-swirl-around-future-of-europes-ariane-launcher-program/ |url-status=live}}
While Ariane 5 typically launches one large and one medium satellite at a time, the PPH proposal for Ariane 6 was intended for single payloads, with an early 2014 price estimate of approximately US$95 million per launch.{{Cite news |last=Svitak |first=Amy |title=SpaceX Says Falcon 9 To Compete For EELV This Year |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_03_10_2014_p48-668592.xml |access-date=11 March 2014 |newspaper=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=10 March 2014 |quote=As SpaceX and other launch contenders enter the sector – including new rockets in India, China and Russia – Europe is also investing in a midlife upgrade of Ariane 5, the Ariane 5 ME (Midterm Evolution), which aims to boost performance 20% with no corresponding increase in cost. At the same time, Europe is considering funding a smaller, less capable but more affordable successor to the heavy-lift launcher, Ariane 6, which would send up to {{cvt|6500|kg}} to GTO for around US$95 million per launch. |archive-date=10 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310123118/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2FAW_03_10_2014_p48-668592.xml |url-status=dead}} The SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Chinese Long March 3B both launch smaller payloads but at lower prices, approximately $57 million and $72 million respectively as of early 2014, making the Falcon 9 launch of a midsize satellite competitive with the cost of the lower slot of a dual payload Ariane 5. For lightweight all-electric satellites, Arianespace intended to use the restartable Vinci engine to deliver the satellites closer to their operational orbit than the Falcon 9 could, thus reducing the time required to transfer to geostationary orbit by several months.
== Ariane 6.1 and Ariane 6.2 proposals ==
In June 2014, Airbus and Safran surprised ESA by announcing a counter proposal for the Ariane 6 project: a 50/50 joint venture to develop the rocket, which would also involve buying out the French government's CNES interest in Arianespace.{{Cite news |last=de Selding |first=Peter |title=Airbus and Safran Propose New Ariane 6 Design, Reorganisation of Europe's Rocket Industry |url=https://spacenews.com/40973airbus-and-safran-propose-new-ariane-6-design-reorganization-of-europes/ |newspaper=SpaceNews |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=24 November 2022 |quote=European space-hardware builders Airbus and Safran have proposed that the French and European space agencies scrap much of their previous 18 months' work on a next-generation Ariane 6 rocket in favour of a design that includes much more liquid propulsion. |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045212/https://spacenews.com/40973airbus-and-safran-propose-new-ariane-6-design-reorganization-of-europes/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28166626 |title=Ariane 6 - Customers call the shots |first1=Jonathan |last1=Amos |publisher=BBC |date=5 July 2014 |access-date=6 June 2015 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128054314/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28166626 |url-status=live}}
This proposed launch system would come in two variants, Ariane 6.1 and Ariane 6.2.{{Cite web |url=http://www.safran-group.com/media/20140625_safran-airbus-group-launcher-activities-agreement |title=Safran-Airbus Group launcher activities agreement |publisher=Safran Group |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=6 June 2015 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128223512/https://www.safran-group.com/media/20140625_safran-airbus-group-launcher-activities-agreement |url-status=dead}} While both would use a cryogenic main stage powered by a Vulcain 2 engine and two P145 solid boosters, Ariane 6.1 would feature a cryogenic upper stage powered by the Vinci engine and boost up to {{cvt|8500|kg}} to GTO, while Ariane 6.2 would use a lower-cost hypergolic upper stage powered by the Aestus engine. Ariane 6.1 would have the ability to launch two electrically powered satellites at once, while Ariane 6.2 would be focused on launching government payloads.
French newspaper La Tribune questioned whether Airbus Defence and Space could deliver on the promised costs for their Ariane 6 proposal, and whether Airbus and Safran Group could be trusted when they were found to be responsible for a failure of Ariane 5 flight 517 in 2002 and a more recent 2013 failure of the M51 ballistic missile.{{Cite news |author=Michel Cabirol |date=7 July 2014 |title=Faut-il donner toutes les clés d'Ariane 6 à Airbus et Safran? |url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20140707trib000838582/faut-il-donner-toutes-les-cles-d-ariane-6-a-airbus-et-safran.html |access-date=5 August 2014 |publisher=La Tribune |language=fr |archive-date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917160952/https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20140707trib000838582/faut-il-donner-toutes-les-cles-d-ariane-6-a-airbus-et-safran.html |url-status=live}} The companies were also criticised for being unwilling to incur development risks, and asking for higher initial funding than originally planned{{snd}}{{Euro|2.6 billion}} instead of {{Euro|2.3 billion}}. Estimated launch prices of {{Euro|85 million}} for Ariane 6.1 and {{Euro|69 million}} for Ariane 6.2 did not compare favorably to SpaceX offerings.{{Cite news |url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20140707trib000838581/privatisation-d-ariane-6-comment-airbus-et-safran-negocient-le-casse-du-siecle.html |title=Privatisation d'Ariane 6 - comment Airbus et Safran négocient le "casse du siècle" |first=Michel |last=Cabirol |publisher=La Tribune |date=7 July 2014 |access-date=5 August 2014 |language=fr |trans-title=Ariane 6 privatized - how Airbus and Safran negotiate the "heist of the century" |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201174706/https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20140707trib000838581/privatisation-d-ariane-6-comment-airbus-et-safran-negocient-le-casse-du-siecle.html |url-status=live}} During the meeting of EU ministers in Geneva on 7 June 2014, these prices were deemed too high and no agreement with manufacturers was reached.{{Cite news |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/2014/07/08/01008-20140708ARTFIG00387-le-choix-d-ariane-6-divise-industriels-et-agences-spatiales.php|title=Le choix d'Ariane 6 divise industriels et agences spatiales |author=Cyrille Vanlerberghe |publisher=Le Figaro |date=8 July 2014 |access-date=5 August 2014 |language=fr |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811185954/http://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/2014/07/08/01008-20140708ARTFIG00387-le-choix-d-ariane-6-divise-industriels-et-agences-spatiales.php |url-status=live}}
== Ariane 62 and Ariane 64 proposals ==
File:Ariane 62 and 64 first version.svg
Following criticism of the Ariane 6 PPH design, France unveiled a revised Ariane 6 proposal in September 2014.{{Cite web |url=http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/local_news/france-raises-heat-on-decision-for-next-ariane-rocket_302423.html |title=France raises heat on decision for next Ariane rocket |publisher=Expatica |date=18 September 2014 |access-date=18 September 2014}} This launcher would use a cryogenic main stage powered by the Vulcain 2 and upper stage powered by the Vinci but vary the number of solid boosters. With two P120C boosters, Ariane 6 would launch up to {{cvt|5000|kg}} to GTO at a cost of €75 million. With four boosters, Ariane 6 would be able to launch two satellites totaling {{cvt|11000|kg}} to GTO at a cost of €90 million.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/2014/09/05/01008-20140905ARTFIG00351-ariane-6-la-version-de-la-derniere-chance.php |title=Ariane 6 - la version de la dernière chance |author=Cyrille Vanlerberghe |publisher=Le Figaro |date=5 September 2014 |access-date=18 September 2014 |language=fr |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111225342/https://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/2014/09/05/01008-20140905ARTFIG00351-ariane-6-la-version-de-la-derniere-chance.php |url-status=live}}
This proposal, unlike Ariane 6 PPH, offered a scalable launcher while retaining Ariane 5's dual-launch capability. The proposal also included simplification of the industrial and institutional organisation along with a better and cheaper version of the Vulcain 2 engine for the main stage. Although Ariane 6 was projected to have "lower estimated recurring production costs", it was projected to have "a higher overall development cost owing to the need for a new, Ariane 6-dedicated, launch pad".{{Cite news |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |title=ESA's Ariane 6 Cost Estimate Rises with Addition of New Launch Pad |url=http://www.spacenews.com/41978esas-ariane-6-cost-estimate-rises-with-addition-of-new-launch-pad/ |publisher=SpaceNews |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=26 September 2014 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045215/https://spacenews.com/41978esas-ariane-6-cost-estimate-rises-with-addition-of-new-launch-pad/ |url-status=live}}
The Italian, French, and German space ministers met on 23 September 2014, in order to plan strategy and assess the possibility for agreement on funding for the Ariane 5 successor,{{Cite news |title=ISS Expected To Take Back Seat to Next-gen Ariane as Space Ministers Meet in Zurich |url=http://www.spacenews.com/41939iss-expected-to-take-back-seat-to-next-gen-ariane-as-space-ministers-meet/ |publisher=SpaceNews |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=6 June 2015 |ref=sn20140922 |quote=The space ministers of France, Germany and Italy are scheduled to meet on September 23 in Zurich to assess how far they are from agreement on strategy and funding for Europe's next-generation Ariane rocket, upgrades to the light-lift Vega vehicle and — as a lower priority — their continued participation in the international space station. The meeting should give these governments a better sense of whether a formal conference of European Space Agency ministers scheduled for December 2 in Luxembourg will be able to make firm decisions, or will be limited to expressions of goodwill. |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045215/https://spacenews.com/41939iss-expected-to-take-back-seat-to-next-gen-ariane-as-space-ministers-meet/ |url-status=live}} and in December 2014, ESA selected the Ariane 62 and Ariane 64 designs for development and funding.{{Cite news |url=http://www.spacenews.com/42699esa-members-agree-to-build-ariane-6-fund-station-through-2017/ |title=ESA Members Agree To Build Ariane 6, Fund Station Through 2017 |author=Peter B. De Selding |newspaper=SpaceNews |date=2 December 2014 |access-date=3 December 2014}}
At the 2022 International Astronautical Congress, ArianeGroup announced the proposed "Smart Upper Stage for Innovative Exploration", a reusable upper stage for the 64 (or later) variant, capable of autonomous cargo operations or carrying five astronauts to LEO.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-19 |title=This Reusable Space Freighter Would 'Open the Door' to European Space Exploration |url=https://gizmodo.com/arianegroup-concept-reusable-upper-state-spacecraft-1849553008 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001042526/https://gizmodo.com/arianegroup-concept-reusable-upper-state-spacecraft-1849553008 |url-status=live}}
= Test vehicle development: 2016–2021 =
In November 2015, an updated design of Ariane 64 and 62 was presented, with new nose cones on the boosters, main stage diameter increased to {{cvt|5.4|m}}, and the height decreased to {{cvt|60|m}}.{{Cite web |url=https://techforspace.com/blog/en-En/space/general/europe-space-2015-review/#Ariane6 |title=Europe in space, 2015 overview |publisher=Tech for Space |first1=Marcin |last1=Wolny |date=10 January 2016 |access-date=30 January 2016 |archive-date=17 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317061825/http://techforspace.com/blog/en-En/space/general/europe-space-2015-review/#Ariane6 |url-status=dead}}
The basic design for Ariane 6 was finalised in January 2016 as an expendable liquid-fuelled core stage plus expendable solid-rocket-boosters design. Development advanced into detailed design and production phases, with the first major contracts already signed.{{Cite news |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Ariane_6_design_finalized_set_for_2020_launch_999.html |title=Ariane 6 design finalized, set for 2020 launch |newspaper=Spacedaily.com |publisher=Space Daily |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=30 January 2016 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201132320/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Ariane_6_design_finalized_set_for_2020_launch_999.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35435108 |title=Europe settles on design for Ariane 6 rocket |work=BBC News |first1=Jonathan |last1=Amos |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=30 January 2016 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128010126/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35435108 |url-status=live}} Unlike previous Ariane rockets, which are assembled and fueled vertically before being transported to the launchpad, the Ariane 6 main stages were to be assembled horizontally at the new integration hall in Les Mureaux and then transported to French Guiana, to be erected and integrated with boosters and payload.{{Cite news |url=http://spacenews.com/airbus-safran-launchers-aims-for-the-discipline-of-the-flow-for-ariane-6-integration/ |title=Airbus Safran Launchers aims for "the discipline of the flow" in Ariane 6 integration |publisher=SpaceNews |first=Peter B. |last=de Selding |date=7 April 2016 |access-date=3 November 2016 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045246/https://spacenews.com/airbus-safran-launchers-aims-for-the-discipline-of-the-flow-for-ariane-6-integration/ |url-status=live}}
The horizontal assembly process was inspired by the Russian tradition for Soyuz and Proton launchers{{snd}}which had more recently been applied to the American Delta IV and Falcon 9 boosters{{Cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/06/24/ariane-6-rockets-to-be-assembled-horizontally/ |title=Ariane 6 rockets likely to be assembled horizontally |publisher=Spaceflight Now |first=Stephen |last=Clark |date=24 June 2015 |quote=Officials said the preliminary plan calls for the Ariane 6 rocket to be integrated horizontally, a practice long used for Russian launchers and more recently adopted by United Launch Alliance's Delta 4 rocket family and SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. |access-date=4 November 2016 |archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108092425/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/06/24/ariane-6-rockets-to-be-assembled-horizontally/ |url-status=live}}{{snd}}with a stated goal of halving production costs.{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=16 December 2015 |title=Q&A with Stéphane Israël, chairman and CEO of Arianespace |publisher=Spaceflight Now |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/12/16/qa-with-stephane-israel-chairman-and-ceo-of-arianespace/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |quote=When it comes to Ariane 64, we are at around US$90 to US$100 million, as opposed to Ariane 5, which is in terms of cost, around US$200 million. You see with the effort we're making, we want to reduce the cost around 40/50%, which is very ambitious. |archive-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225175407/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/12/16/qa-with-stephane-israel-chairman-and-ceo-of-arianespace/ |url-status=live}}
The industrial production process was completely overhauled, allowing synchronized workflow between several European production sites moving at a monthly cadence, which would enable twelve launches per year, doubling Ariane 5's yearly capacity. To further lower the price, Ariane 6 engines were to use 3D printed components.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35983735 |title=Ariane 6 project "in good shape" |first1=Jonathan |last1=Amos |work=BBC News |date=7 April 2016 |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108090900/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35983735 |url-status=live}} Ariane 6 was to be the first large rocket to use a laser ignition system developed by Austria's Carinthian Research Center (CTR), that was previously deployed in automotive and turbine engines.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/13/ariane-6-rocket-holding-to-schedule-for-2020-maiden-flight/ |title=Ariane 6 rocket holding to schedule for 2020 maiden flight |website=spaceflightnow.com |date=13 August 2016 |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=13 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813220357/https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/13/ariane-6-rocket-holding-to-schedule-for-2020-maiden-flight/ |url-status=live}} A solid state laser offers an advantage over electrical ignition systems in that it is more flexible with regards to the location of the plasma within the combustion chamber, offers a much higher pulse power and can tolerate a wider range of fuel-air mixture ratios.{{Cite web |last=Peach |first=Matthew |url=http://optics.org/news/6/11/12|title=Austrian researchers to adapt laser ignition for rockets |publisher=SPIE Europe |website=optics.org |date=6 November 2015 |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207034649/https://optics.org/news/6/11/12 |url-status=live}}
Reorganisation of the industry behind a new launch vehicle, leading to the creation of Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL), also started a review by the French government into tax matters, and the European Commission over a possible conflict of interest if Airbus Defence and Space, a satellite manufacturer, were to purchase launches from ASL.
While development was initially slated to be substantially complete in 2019, with an initial launch in 2020, the initial launch date has slipped several times: first to 2021,{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=Caleb |url=https://spacenews.com/esa-confirms-ariane-6-delay-to-2021/ |title=ESA confirms Ariane 6 delay to 2021 |publisher=SpaceNews |date=9 July 2020 |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045925/https://spacenews.com/esa-confirms-ariane-6-delay-to-2021/ |url-status=live}} then to 2022, then to 2023, and then to 2024.{{Cite web |author1=Elizabeth Howell |date=3 December 2023 |title=1st launch of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket finally has June 2024 launch target |url=https://www.space.com/1st-ariane-6-rocket-launch-june-2024-target |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226085614/https://www.space.com/1st-ariane-6-rocket-launch-june-2024-target |url-status=live }} In October 2022, Arianespace expected the maiden flight to occur in 2023, although in December 2023, Arianespace once again set the flight to occur on 15 June 2024. In June 2024, ESA Executive said its first launch was postponed to July 9th 2024.{{Cite news |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |date=5 June 2024 |title=Ariane 6 Maiden Flight Scheduled for 9 July |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-scheduled-for-9-july/ |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=European Spaceflight |language=en |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605073430/https://europeanspaceflight.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-scheduled-for-9-july/ |url-status=live}} The maiden flight VA262 took place 9 July 2024 and successfully orbited some satellites even though the mission did suffer some problems.
== Future development options ==
{{Main|Adeline (rocket stage)}}
{{Main|Ariane Next}}
CNES began studies in 2010 on an alternative, reusable first stage for Ariane 6, using a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid methane rather than liquid hydrogen that is used in the 2016 Ariane 6 first-stage design. The methane-powered core could use one or more engines, matching capabilities of Ariane 64 with only two boosters instead of four. {{asof|2015|01}}, the economic feasibility of reusing an entire stage remained in question. Concurrent with the liquid fly-back booster research in the late 1990s and early 2000s, CNES along with Russia concluded studies{{when|date=January 2019}} indicating that reusing the first stage was economically unviable as manufacturing ten rockets a year was cheaper and more feasible than recovery, refurbishment and loss of performance caused by reusability.{{Cite news |url=http://www.futura-sciences.com/magazines/espace/infos/actu/d/acces-espace-version-reutilisable-ariane-6-etude-56666/ |title=Une version réutilisable d'Ariane 6 est à l'étude |trans-title=A reusable version of Ariane 6 is under study |publisher=Futura-Sciences |date=9 January 2015 |access-date=7 June 2015 |language=fr |archive-date=30 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830084032/http://www.futura-sciences.com/magazines/espace/infos/actu/d/acces-espace-version-reutilisable-ariane-6-etude-56666/ |url-status=live}}
In June 2015, Airbus Defence and Space announced that Adeline, a partially reusable first stage, would become operational between 2025 and 2030 and that it would be developed as a subsequent first stage for Ariane 6. Rather than developing a way to reuse an entire first stage (like SpaceX), Airbus proposed a system where only high-value parts would be safely returned using a winged module at the bottom of the rocket stack.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33006056 |title=Airbus unveils "Adeline" re-usable rocket concept |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |work=BBC News |date=5 June 2015 |access-date=25 June 2015 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111141020/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33006056 |url-status=live}}
In August 2016, ASL gave some more details about future development plans building on the Ariane 6 design. CEO Alain Charmeau revealed that Airbus Safran were now working along two main lines: first, continuing work (at the company's own expense) on the recoverable Adeline engine-and-avionics module; and second, beginning development of a next-generation engine to be called Prometheus. This engine would have about the same thrust as the Vulcain 2 currently powering Ariane 5 but would burn methane instead of liquid hydrogen. Charmeau was non-committal about whether Prometheus (still only in the first few months of development) could be used as an expendable replacement for the Vulcain 2 in Ariane 6, or whether it was tied to the re-usable Adeline design, saying only that "We are cautious, and we prefer to speak when are sure of what we announce... But certainly this engine could very well fit with the first stage of Ariane 6 one day", a decision on whether to proceed with Prometheus in an expendable or reusable role could be made between 2025 and 2030.{{Cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/13/ariane-6-rocket-holding-to-schedule-for-2020-maiden-flight/ |title=Ariane 6 rocket holding to schedule for 2020 maiden flight |publisher=Spaceflight Now |first=Stephen |last=Clark |date=13 August 2016 |access-date=13 August 2016 |archive-date=13 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813220357/https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/13/ariane-6-rocket-holding-to-schedule-for-2020-maiden-flight/ |url-status=live}} Charmeau was not positive about reusability in 2018, stating that if Ariane had a launch schedule of ten flights per year and had a rocket that could be reused ten times, the company would only build one rocket per year, making supporting an ongoing manufacturing supply chain unviable ("I cannot tell my teams: Goodbye, see you next year!"). Ariane would need 30 launches a year to justify the cost of researching reusability, he said.{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=21 May 2018 |title=Ariane chief seems frustrated with SpaceX for driving down launch costs |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/05/ariane-chief-seems-frustrated-with-spacex-for-driving-down-launch-costs/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}
In 2017, the Prometheus engine project was revealed to have the aim of reducing the engine unit cost from the €10 million of the Vulcain2 to €1 million and allowing the engine to be reused up to five times.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/prometheus/ |title=Ariane 6, the new generation of European launch {{sic|nolink=y|vehicules}} |work=ArianeGroup |publisher=Ariane Group |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726092158/https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/prometheus/ |url-status=live}} The engine development is said to be part of a broader effort – codename Ariane NEXT{{Cite report |last=Meddah |first=Hassan |url=https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/vous-avez-aime-ariane-6-vous-allez-adorer-ariane-next.N498069 |title=Vous avez aimé Ariane 6, vous allez adorer Ariane Next |trans-title=If you liked Ariane 6, you will love Ariane Next |publisher=L'Usine nouvelle |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=11 March 2019 |language=fr |archive-date=23 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223085537/https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/vous-avez-aime-ariane-6-vous-allez-adorer-ariane-next.N498069 |url-status=live}} – to reduce Ariane launch costs by a factor of two beyond improvements brought by Ariane 6. The Ariane NEXT initiative includes a reusable sounding rocket, Callisto, to test the performance of various fuels in new engine designs.{{Cite magazine |url=https://cnes.fr/sites/default/files/drupal/201605/default/cnesmag_68_fr_web.pdf |title=Callisto, Véhicule Spatial Réutilisable |magazine=CNESmag |publisher=CNES |issue=68 |page=10 |date=May 2016 |language=fr |access-date=19 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050303/https://cnes.fr/sites/default/files/drupal/201605/default/cnesmag_68_fr_web.pdf |url-status=live}}
The European Space Agency is exploring human-rating certification for Ariane 6, awarding Arianespace a contract to explore potential options for enabling crewed missions to be launched aboard the vehicle.{{Cite news |last=Parsonson |first=Andrew |date=19 July 2024 |title=ESA Explores Crewed Mission Capabilities for Ariane 6 Rocket |url=https://europeanspaceflight.com/esa-explores-crewed-mission-capabilities-for-ariane-6-rocket/ |access-date=19 July 2024 |work=European Spaceflight |language=en}}
Production
In a January 2019 interview, Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël said that the company would require four more institutional launches for Ariane 6 to sign a manufacturing contract. Launch contracts would be needed for the transitional period of 2020–2023 when Ariane 5 will be phased out and gradually replaced by Ariane 6. The company would require European institutions to become an anchor customer for the launcher. In response, ESA representatives said the agency was working on shifting the 2022 launch of the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer from Ariane 5 ECA to Ariane 64, further indicating that there are other institutional customers in Europe that must put their weight behind the project, such as the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) or the European Commission.
{{asof|2019|01}}, Arianespace had sold three flights of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle.{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=Caleb |url=https://spacenews.com/arianespace-says-full-ariane-6-production-held-up-by-missing-government-contracts/ |title=Arianespace says full Ariane 6 production held up by missing government contracts |publisher=SpaceNews |date=8 January 2019 |access-date=26 January 2019 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045925/https://spacenews.com/arianespace-says-full-ariane-6-production-held-up-by-missing-government-contracts/ |url-status=live}} One month later, they added a satellite internet constellation launch contract with OneWeb to utilize the maiden launch of Ariane 6 to help populate the large 600-satellite constellation.{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=Caleb |url=https://spacenews.com/first-six-oneweb-satellites-launch-on-soyuz-rocket/ |title=OneWeb's first six satellites in orbit following Soyuz launch |publisher=SpaceNews |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045802/https://spacenews.com/first-six-oneweb-satellites-launch-on-soyuz-rocket/ |url-status=live}}
On 6 May 2019, Arianespace ordered the first production batch of 14 Ariane 6 rockets.{{Cite tweet |user=jeff_foust |author-link=Jeff Foust |number=1125837658477989888 |title=Stéphane Israël, Arianespace: ordered first production batch of 14 Ariane 6 rockets yesterday for missions in 2021-23. #SATShow |date=7 May 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019}}
In 2024, Arianespace expected that their launch tempo would increase to six in 2025, eight in 2026, and stabilize at ten per year starting in 2027.{{Cite web |date=10 July 2024 |title=Ariane 6 launch returns in-house space access to Europe's armed forces |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/07/10/ariane-6-launch-returns-in-house-space-access-to-europes-armed-forces/}}
Rocket components are transported by sea from Europe to the Guiana Space Centre aboard the Canopée, a cargo vessel that uses sails to assist with its propulsion, reducing fuel use.{{Cite web |last=Ajdin |first=Adis |date=27 April 2021 |title=French pioneering sail-powered boxship |url=https://splash247.com/french-pioneering-sail-powered-boxship/ |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Splash247 |language=en |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120231753/http://splash247.com/french-pioneering-sail-powered-boxship/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=21 June 2023 |title=Wind-powered cargo ship completes its first transatlantic crossing |url=https://www.projectcargojournal.com/shipping/2023/06/21/wind-powered-cargo-ship-completes-its-first-transatlantic-crossing/ |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Project Cargo Journal |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045927/https://www.projectcargojournal.com/shipping/2023/06/21/wind-powered-cargo-ship-completes-its-first-transatlantic-crossing/ |url-status=live}}
Development funding
{{Expand section|How much has been the actual funding 2015–2024? and what amount came from each of the major government stakeholders? France? Germany? ... by country|date=October 2024}}
Ariane 6 was developed in a public-private partnership with the majority of the funding coming from various ESA government sources. {{asof|2015}}, the estimated government development cost over the then planned 6-year development phase through 2020 was {{Euro|2.815 billion}} of government-provided funds, while {{Euro|400 million}} was reported to be "industry's share". At the time, in a novel approach for ESA, this was to be "an arrangement in which the [Airbus Safran] company takes full control of Ariane 6 design and development and commits to a firm, fixed-price contract"{{Cite news |last1=de Selding |first1=Peter B. |title=Desire for Competitive Ariane 6 Nudges ESA Toward Compromise in Funding Dispute with Contractor |url=http://spacenews.com/desire-for-competitive-ariane-6-nudges-esa-toward-compromise-in-funding-dispute-with-contractor/ |publisher=SpaceNews |date=3 April 2015 |access-date=8 April 2015}}
By the time the ESA Council approved the project in November 2016, the ESA had already paid out {{Euro|688 million}} to Airbus Safran{{Cite news |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |url=https://spacenews.com/esa-decision-frees-up-full-funding-for-ariane-6-rocket/ |title=ESA decision frees up full funding for Ariane 6 rocket |publisher=SpaceNews |date=4 November 2016 |access-date=4 November 2016 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045733/https://spacenews.com/esa-decision-frees-up-full-funding-for-ariane-6-rocket/ |url-status=live}} and the ESA Industrial Policy Committee released {{Euro|1.7 billion}} of additional funds on 8 November 2016.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37925169 |title=Full rocket funding unlocked by ESA |first=Jonathan |last=Amos |date=9 November 2016 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128110746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37925169 |url-status=live}}
In January 2020, two EU institutions, the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, loaned €100 million to Arianespace, drawing from the Horizon 2020 and Investment Plan for Europe corporate investment programmes. The 10-year loan's repayment is tied to the financial success of the Ariane 6 project.{{Cite news |last=Forrester |first=Chris |url=https://advanced-television.com/2020/01/23/eu-loans-e100m-to-arianespace/ |title=EU loans €100m to Arianespace |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128100549/https://advanced-television.com/2020/01/23/eu-loans-e100m-to-arianespace/ |url-status=live}}{{update after|2024|10|5}}
Launch history
= List of launches =
{{Excerpt|List of Ariane launches (2020–2029)|Ariane 6 (2024+)}}
= Planned launches =
{{Excerpt|List of Ariane launches (2020–2029)|Planned launches}}
Criticism
The Ariane 6 programme has faced substantial criticism for its cost per launch and lack of reusability. When the programme was approved by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2012, the programme was intended to produce a modernised successor to the Ariane 5 with a focus on cost optimisation. However, over the course of its more than a decade-long development, the project experienced delays and cost overruns.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Katrina |date=9 July 2024 |title=Europe Rejoins Space Race but New Rocket's Flight Ends in Anomaly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/science/europe-ariane-6-rocket-launch.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240823141824/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/science/europe-ariane-6-rocket-launch.html |archive-date=23 August 2024 |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en}} Initially expected to be 50% cheaper than its predecessor, the Ariane 6 now has projected launch prices exceeding €100 million per mission — above the original estimates of €70 million for the A62 and €90 million for the A64.{{Cite web |last=Posaner |first=Joshua |date=10 July 2024 |title=How Europe's rocket program lost big to Elon Musk - The inside story |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/how-europe-screwed-up-its-rocket-program/ |access-date=14 December 2024 |website=POLITICO |language=en}} The cost per launch has limited the rocket's appeal to commercial clients outside of Europe.{{Cite web |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |date=9 July 2024 |title=Ariane-6 first launch - Europe's rocket blasts off for first time |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c19km33k1mpo.amp |access-date=14 December 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en}}
A major criticism of the Ariane 6 stems from its reliance on expendable technology at a time when competitors have demonstrated the economic advantages of reusability. For example, SpaceX iteratively developed its Falcon 9 rocket, nearly doubling its payload capacity and making it partially reusable, lowering the company's costs to launch.{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=18 April 2023 |title=Europe's Ariane 6 rocket is turning into a space policy disaster |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/europes-ariane-6-rocket-is-turning-into-a-space-policy-disaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045854/https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/europes-ariane-6-rocket-is-turning-into-a-space-policy-disaster/ |archive-date=10 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}} Some industry experts argued that the decision to forego reusability rendered the Ariane 6 "already obsolete" before it even entered service.
European officials, however, have defended the Ariane 6, citing the strategic need for independent access to space. They point to geopolitical disruptions, such as losing access to Russian Soyuz-ST rockets, as evidence of the necessity for a self-reliant European capability. Officials have also justified the rocket’s lack of reusability by arguing that the relatively low number of planned launches would make such a feature economically unviable.{{Cite web |last=Cross |first=Theresa |date=3 July 2024 |title=Europe's Ariane 6 rocket set for maiden voyage amid stiff competition |url=https://spaceexplored.com/2024/07/03/europes-ariane-6-rocket-set-for-maiden-voyage-amid-stiff-competition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045734/https://spaceexplored.com/2024/07/03/europes-ariane-6-rocket-set-for-maiden-voyage-amid-stiff-competition/ |archive-date=10 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=Space Explored |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Posaner |first=Joshua |date=1 July 2024 |title=Europe smarts as Elon Musk's SpaceX wins key satellite deal |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-smarts-as-spacex-bags-key-weather-satellite-launch-contract-ariane-6-delay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708214504/https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-smarts-as-spacex-bags-key-weather-satellite-launch-contract-ariane-6-delay/ |archive-date=8 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=Politico |language=en}}
To support the programme, ESA's member states have agreed to subsidise the Ariane 6 with up to €340 million annually from its 16th to its 42nd flight, expected to occur by 2031.{{Cite news |last1=Hepher |first1=Tim |last2=Roulette |first2=Joey |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Europe "back in space" despite Ariane 6 debut glitch |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/europes-ariane-6-rocket-set-maiden-flight-after-data-glitch-2024-07-09/ |access-date=13 December 2024 |publisher=Reuters}} In exchange, governments will receive an 11% discount on launches.{{Cite web |last=Castel |first=Frédéric |date=24 June 2024 |title=Europe aims to end space access crisis with Ariane 6's inaugural launch |url=https://spacenews.com/europe-aims-to-end-space-access-crisis-with-ariane-6s-inaugural-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710045813/https://spacenews.com/europe-aims-to-end-space-access-crisis-with-ariane-6s-inaugural-launch/ |archive-date=10 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=SpaceNews |language=en}}
Notes and references
= Notes =
{{Notelist}}
= References =
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Cite web |url=http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ariane6_Users-Manual_February2017.pdf |title=Who we are |publisher=Arianespace |date=May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214115631/http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ariane6_Users-Manual_February2017.pdf |archive-date=14 February 2017 |access-date=14 February 2017}}
}}
External links
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
{{Commons category|Ariane 6}}
- {{URL|https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane|Ariane 6 - Official Website}}
- [https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/793511082946093057 Ariane 6 concept video], Airbus Safran Launchers, November 2016.
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfqqNxhb7K4 Airbus Defence and Space presents Ariane 6 at Paris Air Show 2015]
{{Ariane}}
{{Expendable launch systems}}
{{European Space Agency}}
{{European launch systems}}